nntptest is a utility that allows you to authenticate to a
NNTP server and interactively issue commands to it. Once
authenticated you may issue any NNTP command by simply typing it in.
It is capable of multiple SASL authentication mechanisms and handles
encryption layers transparently. This utility is often used for testing
the operation of an nntp server. Also those developing NNTP clients
find it useful.

Force nntptest to use mechanism for authentication. If not
specified, the strongest authentication mechanism supported by the
server is chosen. Specify user to use the AUTHINFO USER/PASS
commands instead of AUTHINFO SASL.

Maximum protection layer to use (0=none; 1=integrity;
etc). For example if you are using the KERBEROS_V4 authentication
mechanism specifying 0 will force imtest to not use any layer
and specifying 1 will force it to use the integrity layer. By
default the maximum supported protection layer will be used.